Built in 1899, the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery used to be the one and only fish management center in the region. Today, it?s a living fishery museum dedicated to researching and preserving all past and present data related to the fishery industry.

Before it went national, the hatchery was already renowned in the area for acquainting Black Hills locals with trout. It was also later tasked to control and manage the fish population of one of the country?s best known parks, the Yellowstone National Park. Although it served as the coordinating office for the western region?s entire system of federal fisheries, budget cuts eventually forced the hatchery to shut down. But it came back shortly after and became a part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Today, the museum includes various historic buildings, hatchery structures, ponds, icehouse, a museum, a Victorian Booth House, a viewing area for underwater and fish feeding activities, a gift shop, and an outdoor playground and picnic area.